"Does any elite player publicly disclose his injuries more readily than Ben Roethlisberger?" asked SI's Jim Trotter before we could.

That's a rhetorical question because we know the answer. Roethlisberger seems to find extra motivation by letting everyone know what a badass he is. Like Ed Reed threatening retirement, fans know not to take the news too seriously.

This is part of how Roethlisberger prepares for football and it has worked for him. He's my favorite dark horse for this year's MVP. At age 30, I believe Big Ben still has another gear he can reach on the field while he creates his usual storylines through the media.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey correctly noted that Justin Blackmon is going to have some serious catching up to do when he eventually signs his rookie contract. We've reached the point where Blackmon's holdout could set him back.